Radio Atlantic, IA – AM 1220

Iowan accused of posting threats on Facebook

August 16th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A Sioux City man who prosecutors say asked in a Facebook posting whether he needed to “shoot up a mall before people understand” has been charged with making threats of terrorism. 22-year-old Gabriel Rodriquez was arrested last week. Prosecutors say in court documents that Rodriguez wrote “suicidal- and homicidal-themed messages” on the social networking site between Aug. 2nd and 9th. Police say the posts on Rodriguez’s Facebook profile couldn’t be seen by the general public, but Sioux City police spokesman Mark Kirkpatrick wouldn’t make any additional comments about the investigation. A Woodbury County jailer said Rodriguez remained in custody on Thursday, pending $10,000 bail.